Westfund Charity Shield more than just a game

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For the second consecutive year, the St George Illawarra Dragons headed to the Central West of New South Wales for the Westfund Charity Shield.

While the South Sydney Rabbitohs emerged 36-24 winners at Mudgee's Glen Willow Stadium, the Dragons' week went above and beyond the football played.

With the help of Dragons Community including NRL Women's Premiership superstar Kezie Apps and club legend Shaun Timmins, the 23 players present travelled to nine schools across Mudgee, Gulgong, Rylstone, Kandos and Lue as well as Mudgee Hospital.

The Dragons participated in education lessons with students, focusing on the importance of respect and cyber right, resilience and overall wellbeing.

Both the Red V and Rabbitohs also participated in a festival of rugby league at Glen Willow Stadium on Thursday afternoon. This included clinics and signing sessions in which the community was able to attend.

On the same afternoon, Dragons assistant coaches Ben Hornby and Dean Young hosted a clinic for local coaches to attend and learn a trick or two about the intricacies of mentoring a rugby league side.

Ben Hornby and Dean Young speaking to local Rugby League coaches

The Dragons' captain's run on Friday enabled local schools to head to Glen Willow Stadium and watch their heroes finalise their preparations.

Several players also headed to local branches of key partners St.George Bank and Westfund for several other community engagements.

The Dragons wish to thank the Mid-Western Regional Council for once again hosting the club in Mudgee. We look forward to heading back to the region in Round 10 of the upcoming Telstra Premiership season.